ANZ goes into bat for young cricketers

Mahurangi youth interested in playing cricket are invited to apply for an ANZ Cricket Grant.ANZ is making $50,000 available to families who would benefit from the support, and successful applicants will receive up to $80 towards their cricket fees.

The money will be provided in the form of a voucher to redeem when registering with New Zealand Cricket.

ANZ Bank New Zealand chief executive Antonia Watson says this financial help could be the difference between some kids playing cricket this summer, or not.

“Paying fees is one of the first barriers families face when deciding if they can register their child to play,” she says.

“Sport is such an important part of a child’s wellbeing, both mentally and physically.

“The increased cost of living can put families in a tough position when it comes to managing the household budget. We hope this will help ease some of that pressure and keep more kids playing cricket.”

New Zealand Cricket community cricket general manager Kent Stead says the initiative from ANZ is extremely helpful. He hopes families who might have thought it not possible for their children to play this season will reconsider.

“This is a generous gesture from ANZ and their support will ensure hundreds of kids won’t miss out on the benefits that team sport brings,” Stead says.

“After a long hard winter, getting out and enjoying cricket is just what is needed.”

Families can apply at www.anzcricketworld.co.nz before September 23. A maximum of two children per family can benefit from the subsidy.

Applications for the ANZ Coin Toss experience, which gives one lucky cricket fan the opportunity to join the captains for the pre-match toss, four tickets to the game and a photo to remember it all, are also open.

ANZ has been a sponsor of New Zealand Cricket for almost 23 years, injecting more than $1.6 million into community cricket during that time.